Its a big day for the MacDuff quine!
Today, Megan McKay of MacDuff has been called up to the Scottish National Surfing Team to represent her country at the ISA World Games next month in Nicaragua.
The call up to the national squad comes as Phoebe Strachan of Dunbar (current ladies number 2), has unfortunately had to pull out of the event due to a forthcoming operation. Phoebe’s operation is scheduled to land too close to the event to enable her to compete. Phoebe hopes to be fully recovered in time for the EuroSurf in Morocco in September.
A great opportunity however, for 17 year old Megan from Banffshire who has in the past won the title of Scottish Junior Girls champion.
Megan’s skills have been honed at the famous Banff point, under guidance from her father and Scottish surfing legend Robbie McKay. One of the few second generation of surfing Scot’s, Megan’s love for surfing and inherited surfing knowledge through her family, has undoubtedly prepared her to compete against the World’s best ladies in Nicaragua.
Megan McKay at the Scottish National Surfing Championships
Megan, pictured above, has proved time and time again at the Scottish National Surfing Championships that she is capable of competing at the highest level and is not afraid of bigger heavy waves like those found on the North Coast of Scotland. She describes the opportunity as “once in a lifetime” but we expect we will see much more of Megan in the National Team in years to come.
Megan who currently attends Banff Academy is not the only Banff Academy pupil in the Scottish Squad for Nicaragua. Mark Boyd of Thurso, formerly of Sandend, also attended the school which is walking distance of Banff Links Beach. Allyn Harper of Sandend is another addition to the Banffshire contingent heading to the World Games.
The future is looking bright for Scottish Ladies surfing with Phoebe Strachan (19, Dunbar), Megan McKay (17, MacDuff) and Iona McLachlan (14, Thurso), current Scottish Junior Girls Champ, all competing at a high level for such young ages and all hungry for international experience.
The ISA World Games will take place on the 31st of May - 7th of June and can be viewed live on the internet at http://www.isasurf.org
The team travelling to the event is as follows:
The SSF has launched a Crowdfunder campaign to enable the team to fly the flag for Scotland by raising funds to help subsidise the trip which could cost over £16,000 in flights, travel, accomodation, entry fees, memberships and surfboard charges. The SSF have collaborated with Staunch Industries to create supporters kit which is available as rewards on the Crowdfunder. There are hoodies, tshirts and caps available by clicking here.